At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch and growth of a new architectural studio in Dublin.
- Company: Respected architecture and urban design practice with landmark projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and leadership exposure.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to build your own team and influence strategy.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing studio and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Architect with project management and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Your new company
Our client is an established and highly respected architecture and urban design practice with an impressive portfolio of landmark projects across Ireland and the UK. As part of an exciting period of growth, they are preparing to launch a brand-new Dublin studio in early 2027 and are seeking an ambitious Associate Director / Studio Lead to play a pivotal role from day one. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a growing architectural business, influence strategy, build a team, and establish a lasting presence in one of Europe's most active design and construction markets.
Your new role
Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will lead the establishment and growth of the Dublin architectural studio, acting as the key figure on the ground while helping develop relationships, win work, and deliver exceptional projects. This role combines design leadership, business development, team growth, and project oversight. You'll have the autonomy to make a genuine impact while benefiting from the support, reputation, and resources of an already successful practice. Whether you're an experienced Associate Director seeking greater influence or a talented Associate ready to step into a leadership position, this role offers a genuine pathway to shape a studio and leave your mark on its future success.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified Architect with a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects and building strong client relationships. You should bring commercial awareness, leadership potential, and the confidence to represent a business in the market. Experience managing project teams, mentoring staff, and contributing to business growth will be highly advantageous. Most importantly, you'll be excited by the opportunity to help launch and grow a new studio while becoming a key voice within an ambitious and expanding architectural practice.
What you'll get in return
Opportunities like this rarely come to market. You'll join a respected practice at a defining moment in its growth journey, gaining the chance to influence strategy, shape culture, recruit your own team, and establish a studio from the ground up. Alongside a highly competitive remuneration package, you'll benefit from genuine career progression, leadership exposure, and the opportunity to become a key figure within a growing architectural business with significant ambitions for the Irish market.
What you need to do now
If you're an ambitious Associate or Associate Director looking for a unique leadership opportunity that combines design excellence, business growth, and the chance to build something lasting, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or contact Hays Architecture & Design for a confidential discussion.
Associate Director (Studio Lead) employer: HAYS Specialist Recruitment
Join a well-established construction contractor in Northern Ireland that prioritises quality, safety, and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, this company offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional development opportunities, making it an excellent employer for ambitious construction professionals looking to advance their careers while working on prestigious projects in the Greater Belfast and Newry areas.
Contact Details:
HAYS Specialist Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Studio Lead)
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from HAYS Specialist Recruitment who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (Studio Lead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at HAYS Specialist Recruitment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to HAYS Specialist Recruitment. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS Specialist Recruitment
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at HAYS Specialist Recruitment.
